Data Officer

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is an intergovernmental organisation that advances the scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and provides impartial information and advice to support the sustainable use of the seas.

ICES seeks a Data Officer to join the Organization’s Data Centre in Copenhagen. You will work in a close-knit group alongside three other Data Officers within the wider team of around 20 colleagues. Together, the team supports international marine data flows used by ICES member countries, science expert groups, and partners such as the European Commission and Regional Seas Conventions. This work underpins ICES science and advice by ensuring information and supporting digital systems are reliable, accessible, and well governed, from collection and quality assurance through to publication via data portals and other services.

Key responsibilities

• Working closely with scientists and programmers to develop and maintain data formats, validation rules, technical specifications, and data products across ICES data systems
• Supporting data governance activities, including formulating guidance and documentation on data licences, Core Trust Seal requirements, and
• Developing and maintaining automated workflows and reporting solutions for data management systems using standard tools and scripts (power automate, R scripting)Providing coding and scripting support to the Data Management team and thematic leads
  
  

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a collaborative and curious data professional who will enjoy working at the intersection of data, science, and governance. Experience with marine or environmental data is a plus, but not essential.

• Solid experience in data management, including data preparation, validation, documentation, and working with databases (e.g., relational databases).
• Comfortable working with technical and non-technically minded colleagues, and an interest in finding practical, shared solutions across disciplines.
• Understanding of data governance and guidance, such as standards, documentation, licensing, data life cycle and quality frameworks.
• Experience with data analytics beyond core data management, for example reporting, dashboards, process improvement, or visualisation (e.g. Power BI).
• Coding or scripting experience as a supporting skill for data management or analytical work, and familiarity with collaborative code environments (e.g. GitHub) is an advantage.
• A structured and proactive way of working, with the ability to manage priorities and contribute to project‑based tasks.
• Clear communication skills, including good written and spoken English.

Terms of appointment

The appointment will be full-time (38 hours per week), starting in August 2026 or as soon as possible, for a four-year contract period with the possibility of extension.

ICES Secretariat staff enjoy privileges and immunities pursuant to the Host Agreement between the Government of Denmark and ICES. The salary for this role is situated at the “C5” grade which is exempt from Danish income tax and is based on, but not identical to, the United Nations common salary system.  A tax-free pension scheme is available.

The ICES Staff Rules set out the conditions and principles of employment and the responsibilities of the staff of the ICES Secretariat.

Applications

If you feel you have the professional and personal qualities we are looking for, please submit your application via Talent Attract no later than midnight, Sunday, 17 May 2026.

ICES encourages a positive workplace culture by striving for inclusivity and diversity of appointments of its staff. This includes family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and standards of conduct. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

This is a locally recruited position. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Denmark.

Questions about this vacancy may be directed to Data Management Team Lead Adriana Villamor. For more information about ICES, please visit our home page: www.ices.dk